Do You Look After Someone Who Is Ill, Frail, Disabled Or Mentally Ill?
We are interested in identifying carers, especialy those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often "hidden" looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.
Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer. Carers should receive apporpriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care andnot least, a listening ear when things get too much.
As a carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services or Childrens Services if you are a child who cares for an adult. A carer's assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person you care for. There is no charge for an assessment.
If you are a carer, please complete the attached form to let us know about your caring responsibilities; then either hand it in at reception or email to ork-hb.heilendi@nhs.net
Below are some useful organisations which support carers:
Orkney Carers' Centre and Crossroads (Orkney)Anchor BuildingsBridge StreetKirkwallTel: 01856 870500Email: orkneycarers@tiscali.co.uk Age ConcernAnchor BuildingsBridge StreetKirkwallTel: 01856 872438 Orkney Health and CareOrkney Islands CouncilSchool PlaceKirkwallOrkneyTel: 01856 873535Website: www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/O/Carers.htm Carers ScotlandWebsite: www.carersuk.org/scotlandTel: 0808 8087777 Carers Identification Form